In the Pain Free Birth Podcast, your host, Karen Welton, invites you to discover the truth about how God brilliantly designed the female body for birth.
Karen ...
#40 | Postpartum Diet & Nutrition Tips to Regain Energy - Holly Stein
Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/
Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/
Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast!
In this episode we’re meeting the creator of Mama Meals, Holly Stein! You can follow Holly on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/eat.mamameals
We dove into holistic postpartum care with Holly, discussing Mama Meals, the power of nutrition, Holly's own amazing birthing stories and breaking free from diet culture. From Ayurvedic practices to meal services for new moms, we explored how rest, recovery, and support shape a joyful postpartum journey.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Introduction to Mama Meals and Holistic Nutrition
05:30 Empowering Women Through Nutrition and Business
07:00 Preparing for Postpartum: The Importance of Nutrition
09:59 Breaking Free from Diet Culture
13:57 Nourishing the Body: The Role of Fats and Proteins
15:55 Budget-Friendly Nutrition: Simple Swaps for New Moms
18:57 Ayurvedic and Eastern Medicine Principles in Postpartum Care
21:51 Cultural Shifts: Embracing Rest and Recovery
24:47 Personal Birth Experiences: Lessons Learned
35:10 Mindset Matters in Birth
36:31 The Role of Supportive Partners
38:19 Creating a Normal Birth Experience
39:10 Confidence Through Experience
41:21 Embracing the Hard and Enjoying Birth
42:27 The Impact of Birth on Postpartum
43:28 Pushing Phase and Its Effects
45:31 The Importance of Preparation
47:14 Postpartum Bliss and Support
49:39 Nourishing the Body After Birth
50:08 Meal Services for New Mothers
57:29 Asking for Help and Support
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/
Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731
Website - https://painfreebirth.com/
Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in
CONNECT WITH HOLLY
- IG Handle: @eat.mamameals
- Website: www.mama-meals.com
- Code PAINFREEBIRTH for $20 off first purchase of Mama Meals
- Free postpartum recipe guide: https://mama-meals.com/pages/resources
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59:03
#39 | Healing Through Faith from Loss of Her Baby - Madeline Van Gorp
Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/
Sign up for the Pain Free Birth Doula Mastermind HERE https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/doula-certification-waitlist
Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast!
In this episode we’re meeting Madeleine Van Gorp. This is one of the most redeeming and beautiful pain free birth stories I have ever had the privilege of hearing, but it’s also filled with some very sensitive and painful experiences. If you’re sensitive about listening to content involving infant loss please consider listening with grace to this episode. We explored Madeline’s story of her baby’s bilateral renal agenesis, her decisions on how to handle her pregnancy despite that, including special moments, connecting to her baby through exercise, and her spiritual preparation. We also cover her labor experience including the ultimate passing of her son, Nicky and how it was not a traumatic experience.
CHAPTERS
00:50 – Introduction to Madeleine Van Gorp’s story and her baby’s diagnosis of bilateral renal agenesis.
00:21 – Madeleine discusses the redemptive and inspirational aspects of her birth story despite the challenges.
02:47 – Receiving the diagnosis during the 21-week anatomy scan and deciding not to do early ultrasounds.
06:36 – The emotional response to the diagnosis and Madeleine's decision to continue her pregnancy.
12:05 – Transitioning from devastation to leaning into faith for strength during the pregnancy.
18:49 – Special moments during pregnancy, including a trip and her connection to her baby through exercise.
31:36 – The emotional and spiritual preparation for labor and delivery.
40:11 – The unique labor experience: focusing on breathing, peace, and connection with her baby.
01:02:11 – Madeleine’s perspective on choosing life and her labor process with a breech birth.
01:05:36 – The birth of her son, Nicky, and the first moments holding him.
01:08:09 – Sharing the peaceful passing of her son and how it was not a traumatic experience.
01:10:24 – The deeply emotional decision to personally transport Nicky to the funeral home and its significance.
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/
Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731
Website - https://painfreebirth.com/
Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in
CONNECT WITH MADELINE:
Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/paradigmbymads
Website - babyvangorp.com (to learn more about Nicky’s story)
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1:23:39
#38 | Breech Birth with Double Uterus - Sondra Almeter
Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/
Sign up for the Pain Free Birth Doula Mastermind HERE https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/doula-certification-waitlist
Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast!
In this episode we’re meeting one of my personal doula clients Sondra Almeter - I’ve been hounding her to come on the show for a YEAR and she finally did. I’m so excited to share her amazing birthing stories, including a breech vbac birth. We explored Sondra’s transformative journey into motherhood, starting with her first birth's challenges and the vital role of a doula. From informed consent to the "birth high," and even an unexpected home birth, we celebrated every birth's uniqueness and the miracle of unmedicated experiences.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to Sondra's Unique Journey
06:02 First Birth Experience: Challenges and Triumphs
12:02 Finding Support: The Role of a Doula
18:00 The Importance of Informed Consent
23:57 Labor and Delivery: Overcoming Obstacles
29:43 The Importance of Support in Labor
35:51 The Role of the Doula
45:41 The Birth High and Aftermath
52:30 Witnessing Miracles: The Impact of Unmedicated Births
01:01:18 The Unexpected Home Birth Experience
01:06:36 Celebrating the Journey: Every Birth is Unique
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/
Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731
Website - https://painfreebirth.com/
Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in
To connect with Sondra on ig: @s_almeter
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1:10:21
#37 | Birth Belongs to Women and the Future of Doula Work
Sign up for the Pain Free Birth Doula Mastermind HERE https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/doula-certification-waitlist
Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast!
In this episode we’re meeting two doulas, Jessica Grant and Kallie Caton, the founders of the “Birth Belongs to Women” movement. We discuss why birth does, indeed, belong to women, and how the medical system and current social/political movements are unfairly marginalizing women and doulas who believe birth belongs to women. We discuss many of the contemporary debates around being a doula and how Mamas like you can best prepare to work with doulas in today’s climate.
CHAPTERS
00:38 - The origin story of the Birth Belongs to Women movement, and the state of the Doula and medical birthing industries
07:26 - How birth should be (and why the birthing industry system is rigged)
13:13 - Why the phrase “birth belongs to women” is so resonant for some and polarizing to others in today’s social climate
15:37 - “Inclusivity” in birthing
17:33 - Birth Belongs to Women is not anti-trans at all, it is pro-women. Karen’s thoughts on forced gender-inclusive language.
22:53 - Doulas should stay true to themselves regardless of social or political pressure
25:50 - Many women have felt silenced or unable to speak their mind
27:36 - Restoring the sacredness to the experience and tradition of birthing
32:48 - Doula v Birth Worker and how centralized certification regimes effect the Doula tradition
36:53 - Is it possible for doulas to do good work within the hospital system?
38:51 - The doula is not the “rescuer” - and avoiding unfair dynamics between mothers and doulas
40:29 - What women getting pregnant now most need to understand
42:07 - Advice for women who want a doula but still need to give birth in a hospital
46:25 - Doula burnout and creating sustainable work for birthing professionals without “turning it into a business”
53:00 - The true calling and passion of Doulas to serve mothers
55:05 - The “scope” of a doula’s work, and allowing the mother to have room for her own spiritual journey
56:25 - Healthy boundaries in doula work and why clients sometimes need to be turned down
1:00:10 - The future of the doula space
1:05:45 - Why there’s so much fear and dogma in the medical birthing system
CONNECT WITH BIRTH BELONGS TO WOMEN:
Connect with Kallie here: instagram.com/kalliecaton
Connect with Jessica here: instagram.com/jessiesvibe
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/
Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731
Website - https://painfreebirth.com/
Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in
Learn more about Birth Belongs to Women → https://www.birthbelongstowomen.com/
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1:13:43
#36 | Pelvic Floor Strength For Birth & Postpartum with Dr. Lizzie Kieffer
In this episode, Karen sits down with Dr. Lizzie Kieffer as she shares her personal birth experiences and professional insights. From her hospital birth to her empowering home birth, Lizzie opens up about the lessons learned along the way. Tune in as we dive into why relying solely on kegels might not be the best approach for birth and postpartum recovery, how diaphragmatic breathing helps relax the pelvic floor, and explore practical tips for avoiding severe diastasis recti. Plus, learn how to surrender to the natural timing of labor rather than trying to control it.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
Lizzie’s first birth in the hospital vs. her second at home
Why kegels aren't the only answer for pelvic floor health
How diaphragmatic breathing can prevent postpartum issues
The importance of surrendering to God's timing in birth
Tips to help reduce the intensity of diastasis recti
The benefits of training during pregnancy for postpartum recovery
MORE ABOUT DR. LIZZIE KIEFFER:
Lizzie is a doctor of physical therapy, a mom of two, and a strong advocate for movement as medicine. After earning her doctorate in 2018, she began her career in a traditional clinic but soon realized her passion lay in helping women navigate pregnancy, postpartum, and pelvic floor health. Motivated by the lack of specialized information in these areas, she opened her own practice and developed the Mind Body Core programs to empower and educate women worldwide. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys pickleball, hiking, and spending time with her daughters, Mia and Lily, her husband Matt, and their dog Snickers. A lifelong learner, she is dedicated to helping women feel confident, understood, and supported as they embrace the changes of womanhood and motherhood.
Instagram: @doclizziedpt
PRENATAL: Mind Body Core Prenatal Program — Use code: PAINFREEBIRTH for $15 off
POSTPARTUM: Mind Body Core Postpartum Program — Use code: PAINFREEBIRTH for $15 off
Christian Hypnobirthing App — Get one month FREE with the purchase of the Faith-Filled Childbirth E-Course
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!
Grab Karen's Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE. This course is for any woman experiencing trauma in the body. If you're ready to release it, this course is for you.
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In the Pain Free Birth Podcast, your host, Karen Welton, invites you to discover the truth about how God brilliantly designed the female body for birth.
Karen is a certified doula, childbirth educator, and coach who teaches women all around the world how to give birth without pain and fear through her online courses and content.
In this show, we geek out about the hormonal physiology of birth, supernatural childbirth, bliss and ecstasy in labor, pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, and everything in between!
Karen interviews women around the world who share their *jaw-dropping* stories of birth at home, in the hospital, and even in the car! She interviews midwives, doctors, and experts in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum to share their unique perspectives.
We’ve been taught to view birth as scary and traumatic or an “emergency waiting to happen.” In this show, you will discover a whole new perspective of what’s possible in birth when we remove fear, stop trying to contro...